If you have been reading for a few months, you may remember that I wrote about my happy place.

Tomorrow, we are leaving for Northern Michigan for vacation.

I’M JUST A LITTLE BIT EXCITED!

Sorry. Didn’t mean to shout.

I didn’t mention it before, but one of the reasons that I hold vacations in Michigan so dear to my heart is because of my grandmother. No, not Mother Lovett. But my other grandmother – the one who passed away suddenly in February.

See, she left this giant void in our life that has yet to be filled. The void is different for each of us – my dad, my mom, my brothers, even my husband, my aunts and uncles, and especially my grandpa.

Sometimes I wake up in the morning and forget that she has passed away, and when I remember it is like someone punched me in the stomach. I still have her scarf on my dresser – it is a scarf that she wore when we were shopping 2 days before she passed away. Some days I can still smell her on that scarf, but the scent is fading too quickly for my liking.

Growing up, this vacation to Michigan was special for many reasons. My grandparents didn’t always live close to us, and this was one solid week that we got to spend time with them. We have tradition after tradition, ranging from restaurants to shopping in wasteful trinket stores to taking pictures of the sunset.

One year when I was young, probably only 6 or 7 years old, I went to Michigan with my grandma early – just her and I – before the rest of my family came. We drove half way and stayed at a Red Roof Inn and I will never be able to pass a Red Roof without thinking about it. I can remember every little detail of that trip – even how I clicked my tongue when she turned her turn signal on and how we had to pick up my grandpa at an airport in a torrential downpour. We fed ducks off the dock and then I had a minor breakdown because I was so homesick and missed my mom and dad. Luckily they came up later that day.

I can’t help but feel that going there puts me a little bit closer to her. Feels her a little bit more. It’s going to be one giant, emotional, nostalgic mess and I can’t wait. I want to reach out and grab the air. Most people dream of having a beach house some day but I dream of having a house up North to relive the memories I have with my family.

No fear. I sold my soul to Verizon to get a wireless network card for two reasons. 1. I may be sick in the head, but 2. I really want to share my favorite place with you. And I want to have a place to document it like I never have before. And of course, I have many treats lined up because I really am sick in the head.

I may never come home. But if I don’t, I can share much delicious fried white fish and lots of wine with you.

Up North is my favorite place to go during the summer months in Michigan too! its amazing. I’m from Michigan and every summer if i dont make it up there atleast once, it just doesnt feel the same! i hope you have fun! :)

Isn’t there something about nostaglia that’s painful yet addictive all at the same time? I hope you your trip is just as special as you hope…though I’m sure it will be. I’m looking forward to some posts about your memories in your favourite place!

I am sorry to hear about your grandmother. I smiled when I read your words about her scarf. I have a scarf of my grandmothers (along with her collection of Ferragamo’s:) – luckily we were the same size) – and I could smell her too. I asked my parents to buy me her perfume – which turns out to be this strange, very hard to procure Eurpoean perfume that she got when in Switzerland. she lived there half the year. Funny though – it’s not the same. I am so happy you have a happy place. Mine happens to be the water as well. I am hoping to be there next week:) have fun and I can wait to read more.

I know this post is old, but I just wanted to say that I can relate sooo much. I spent my summers in Northern Michigan every year until I went to college, and I miss it so much right now. It’s always been my dream to own a cottage on the lake.

Categories

Archives

About Jessica

I’m Jessica and this is where I share my stuff. You will find a balance of healthy recipes, comfort food and indulgent desserts.

I am madly, passionately, inexplicably in love with food. Bacon makes me beam. Chocolate makes me shout from the rooftops with joy. Vegetables and I are the best of frenemies. My perfect world would include none of them.
more about me »